unionize

verb

union·​ize ˈyün-yə-ˌnīz How to pronounce unionize (audio)
unionized; unionizing
Synonyms of unionizenext

transitive verb

: to organize into a labor union

intransitive verb

: to form or join a labor union
unionizable
ˈyün-yə-ˌnī-zə-bəl How to pronounce unionize (audio)
adjective
unionizable employees

Examples of unionize in a Sentence

Workers are fighting for the right to unionize.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If a simple majority of the workers vote to unionize, the union is then certified. — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Vereen was critical of corporations who strictly employ part-time workers and suggested that part-time employees be encouraged to unionize. — Raisa Habersham july 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 While Producers United is not currently taking action to unionize, the organization hasn’t ruled it out. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 June 2026 The City Council recently recognized the traffic control officers’ efforts to unionize, noting that the workforce faces high turnover rates while working outdoors for long periods at a time. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unionize

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unionize was in 1872

Rhymes for unionize

See All Rhymes for unionize

Browse Nearby Words

unionization
unionize
unionized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unionize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unionize

verb
union·​ize ˈyün-yə-ˌnīz How to pronounce unionize (audio)
unionized; unionizing
: to form into a labor union
unionization
ˌyün-yə-nə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Legal Definition

unionize

verb
union·​ize ˈyü-nyə-ˌnīz How to pronounce unionize (audio)
unionized; unionizing

transitive verb

: to organize into a labor union
to prevent them from unionizing the employees
also : to establish a labor union in
a unionized shop

intransitive verb

: to form or join a labor union
unionization
ˌyü-nyə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce unionize (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unionize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unionize

Nglish: Translation of unionize for Spanish Speakers

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